Avnet Electronics Marketing employees haul water, go bald and run marathons in support of the community

Recently, employees from Avnet Electronics Marketing Asia have been on a community service spree. Between the months of February and August 2014, more than 140 employees participated in numerous community service events for the betterment of their communities. Volunteer efforts ranged from running marathons to sporting a new look. Below is a breakdown of recent volunteer efforts:

In February, 87 participants from Avnet's Hong Kong staff competed in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon and took home third place in the Team Participation category. Avnet runners raised HKD4,200 (US$540) for the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee and Sports Association for the Physically Disabled.

Residents of outlying provinces in China must travel many miles to collect freshwater for daily use. In March, Avnet employees in Hong Kong participated in the Race for Water, an event that raises funds to build reservoirs for affected residents. Seventeen Avnet employees and their families participated in this year’s event carrying 4.5 liters (1.88 gallons) of water for 14 km (8.69 miles) in order to raise funds and awareness of this growing problem. In total, Avnet employees raised HKD10,860 (US$1,392) to help aid these efforts. “This event is physically demanding, but I am grateful to be a part of this meaningful campaign,” says Flora Chen, human resources assistant.

In July, Lim Hong Swee, Avnet Singapore’s associate director, supplier business, sheared off his hair in an effort to draw attention to childhood cancer. Hong Swee participated in Hair for Hope, an event that raises funds to help offset the cost of treatment for children with cancer. He said that in the past he sponsored a few friends as they took the plunge and shaved their heads, now it was his turn. “I had to overcome the mental block and go ahead and be bald,” he says. When asked if he missed having his locks, Hong Swee replied, “Of course not! Hair grows back quickly. I enjoy new ways of bonding with my daughter who loves massaging my [newly bald] scalp.” In addition, Hong Swee raised S$750 (approximately US$600) to help support the charity.

Lastly, 38 Avnet employees ran in the Race Against Cancer, organized by the Singapore Cancer Society. This event, which took place in August, raises funds for various programs such as cancer treatment subsidy, hospice home care, free cancer screenings and public education initiatives.

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​​​Avnet raises $256,000 for the Salvation Army's Forgotten Angels

community partnership

Avnet is one of the largest donors​ to the Salvation Army's Forgotten Angels program in Arizona, raising $39,000 in 2015.